Chesapeake Bay Statement Regarding Today's Release of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's 2006 State of the Bay Report

Annapolis, Md. (November 13, 2006) - The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's report today shows a slight increase in Bay health, and that mirrors the scientific data gathered by the Federal-State Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership this summer. Dissolved oxygen levels and underwater bay grasses appear to have shown modest gains in summer 2006. However, we agree that, despite gains, the levels are still typical of the generally poor water quality that affects the Chesapeake every summer.

“We know that if we are going to have a balanced, healthy Bay ecosystem, we need to break this ‘typical' cycle and begin to show vast improvement,” stated Michael Burke, associate director of communications for the Bay Program.

“CBP partners continue to strengthen efforts at the local, State and Federal levels. There are steps everyone can take to help improve the quality of the Bay no matter where they live or work in the Watershed, “Burke continued. “Planting cover crops on farmland, fertilizing lawns in the fall, and recycling are actions people can take to contribute to Bay restoration.”